Rob Ninkovich had been cut by the Saints before he came to the Patriots. Actually he had been cut just a few days before by the Saints. He never believed that he would make the roster, but at the same time he has something to prove to not only himself, but the Saints organization. He is out this week to show that he is an NFL contender, and that he is ready to show what he has become.

“For me, you can’t take things personal in the NFL, It’s just one of those situations where it wasn’t the right fit for me, the right place. It just took me a little bit of time to find a place where I was given the opportunity to play. Again, I’m happy that I’m here, happy that I was given the chance to come here, so everything really works in a way that it’s supposed to be.
“That was my path. That’s where I was supposed to go. That’s where I was supposed to be cut. This is where I was supposed to be at. You can’t go through life having grudges on people for things that happened to you. Just thank them for the opportunity and move on with it.”

Before joining the Patriots, Ninkovich had bounced around from the Saints and Dolphins from 2006-2009, with 2009 being the year that he had to fight for a long snapper job to stay on the team.

“The long snap move, I don’t know what that was,” Ninkovich said. “I think at the time, they had a lot of talent and depth (at defensive end), so they wanted to keep me somewhere, but that wasn’t a player I could be. That was my only opportunity, and I wanted to be on a team. Not knowing what else was out there, I just worked hard at that.”

But after the eventual release, the Patriots played the right card and picked him up. A smart decision that would prove to add an in-depth man to the roster, and add much needed skill to the line. Ninkovich has a home now in New England, and couldn't be happier.

“I’m happy to be a part of the Patriot tradition, when you’re young in the NFL and things kind of aren’t going your way, it can get frustrating. With me having the path that I’ve had, I’m trying to do the best I can to help guys that are in similar situations, (players) that get hurt young. You’ve just got to stay persistent and keep working toward that main goal. I’ve got goals that I’ve crossed off the list, which is a great feeling.”